Browns Owner Jimmy Haslam Addresses Arch Manning Draft Speculation, Clarifies Team’s Future Plans Amid Quarterback Conversation and Rumors
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, few positions carry the weight of a franchise like the quarterback. Every year, speculation swirls around college stars who might one day take the reins of a struggling or transitioning NFL team. This year, the buzz has already begun circling Arch Manning—the latest quarterback from the legendary Manning family—and his potential fit in the NFL. As the 2025 college football season approaches, and NFL teams begin their preliminary scouting, one name frequently tied to Manning’s future is the Cleveland Browns. That connection reached a boiling point recently, prompting team owner Jimmy Haslam to respond publicly and directly.
In a recent interview with Cleveland media following the team’s final minicamp session of the summer, Haslam was asked about mounting speculation linking his team to Arch Manning in the 2026 NFL Draft. The question, while speculative, has lingered in fan circles and sports media, especially as analysts continue to debate the long-term direction of the Browns’ quarterback room. Haslam didn’t dodge the topic. Instead, he offered a measured but definitive response to the growing conversation.
“I think Arch is a talented young player and obviously comes from a great football family,” Haslam said. “But we’re not in the business of planning two years out based on media buzz or family names. We believe in the guys we have in our building right now. That’s where our focus is.”
That single quote captured the essence of Haslam’s response—respect for Arch Manning and the Manning legacy, but a firm commitment to the Browns’ current quarterback situation. Still, the mere fact that Haslam addressed the issue at all speaks volumes about the intensity of speculation Manning already commands, despite having played only two seasons of college football and only recently being named the full-time starter at Texas.
Arch Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, carries a last name that resonates deeply with football fans and front offices alike. His recruitment was one of the most followed in recent college football history, and his eventual decision to sign with Texas only increased his visibility and the expectations that follow him. After sitting behind Quinn Ewers for most of his first two seasons in Austin, Manning is finally set to lead Steve Sarkisian’s offense in 2025. His talent is undeniable—elite arm strength, polished mechanics, high football IQ, and a cool demeanor under pressure. That profile has already led scouts to label him a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
With that in mind, it’s not surprising that franchises looking toward the future have begun weighing scenarios that could position them to land Manning, including Cleveland. Despite having Deshaun Watson under contract through 2026 with guaranteed money, questions persist about his long-term fit and productivity. Watson’s tenure with the Browns has been turbulent and inconsistent, punctuated by injuries, suspension carryover, and a complicated relationship with fans and media. While Haslam and GM Andrew Berry have publicly stood by Watson, his inability to recapture the Pro Bowl form he displayed in Houston has left some wondering whether the Browns will eventually need to reset at the position.
That doubt has opened the door for speculation about young quarterbacks like Arch Manning. While Haslam made clear the organization is not strategizing around a player who is still in college, he also emphasized the importance of scouting every top quarterback prospect in the country. “We evaluate every player, especially at the quarterback position,” Haslam said. “It’s too important not to. But let’s be honest—Arch has a lot of football left to play in college, and we’ve got a lot of football left to play in the NFL before any of those decisions are even relevant.”
What Haslam didn’t say was just as interesting as what he did. He didn’t outright reject the possibility of drafting a quarterback in the near future. He didn’t downplay the importance of the 2026 draft. He didn’t offer any sweeping reassurances about Deshaun Watson beyond what has already been said. That ambiguity leaves the door open—perhaps intentionally—for the Browns to pivot if Watson fails to meet expectations again in 2025.
In fairness to Watson, he has shown flashes of his old self, and the Browns continue to invest in building a roster around him that can compete immediately. The defense, led by Myles Garrett, remains one of the best in the league. The offensive line, though aging in spots, is still solid, and the run game—anchored by Nick Chubb when healthy—provides a stabilizing force. Still, the Browns’ future hinges on quarterback play. If Watson regresses or fails to stay on the field, it could force Cleveland to consider more drastic moves in the draft, regardless of contract implications.
Adding further intrigue is the timing of Manning’s likely entrance into the NFL. The 2026 draft class is already being projected as one of the most quarterback-rich in recent memory, with Manning expected to headline a group that may also include players like Nico Iamaleava of Tennessee, Dante Moore of UCLA, and Malachi Nelson of USC. For a team like Cleveland, the opportunity to evaluate—and potentially pursue—a true franchise quarterback in that class will be pivotal.
Haslam is no stranger to bold moves. His decision to sign Watson to the most fully guaranteed contract in NFL history was one of the most aggressive and controversial actions by any owner in league history. It was a calculated gamble—one that remains under scrutiny and is closely tied to Haslam’s legacy. As such, any future decision at quarterback will likely carry similar weight. A move for Arch Manning, should it materialize in two years, would be equally high-risk, high-reward. It would mean either trading into the top of the draft or enduring a disappointing season that places Cleveland there naturally—neither scenario being particularly desirable.
Yet, Haslam’s comments suggest he is aware of the external noise but unwilling to be influenced by it. That restraint, while perhaps surprising given the organization’s history of knee-jerk reactions, may be a sign of maturity in the Browns’ leadership structure. Both Haslam and GM Andrew Berry have made a concerted effort in recent years to build continuity, establish a long-term identity, and resist public pressure. That’s not to say they won’t pursue a quarterback like Manning if the opportunity arises—but they won’t mortgage their current season or quarterback room based on media narratives or fan excitement alone.
Still, the speculation won’t stop. Manning’s presence at Texas this season will be one of the biggest stories in college football. Every throw, every win, and every loss will be scrutinized. His performance will drive not only Heisman chatter and playoff conversations but also the early outlines of the 2026 draft landscape. And in that context, any NFL team perceived to be unsettled at quarterback will naturally be linked to him—whether they like it or not.
For the Browns, 2025 is a prove-it year. Watson needs to show he’s still capable of leading a playoff team. The front office needs to demonstrate that its long-term investments—both in personnel and philosophy—are paying off. And Jimmy Haslam, for all his influence behind the scenes, will need to strike the right balance between patience and proactivity. His comments about Manning make it clear that he’s watching, but not reacting. Yet. That could change in a year.
Ultimately, Haslam’s measured response to the Arch Manning speculation reveals more than it conceals. It’s a reflection of how seriously the NFL takes the quarterback position, how closely college stars are tracked, and how quickly rumors can outpace reality. Manning may still be adjusting to life as Texas’s starter, but his NFL journey is already being mapped out by fans and executives alike. Whether that map ever includes Cleveland remains to be seen.
But one thing is certain: the Browns, like every other team, will be watching Arch Manning. They’ll be studying every tape, every throw, every intangible. Because that’s the nature of the NFL. And while Jimmy Haslam may not be planning two years ahead based on hype, he knows better than anyone that quarterbacks define franchises—and sometimes, legacies.
